Peach Aviation to Launch Singapore-Osaka Route in December
Japanese low-cost airline Peach Aviation, a joint venture between All Nippon Airways (ANA) Group (77.9%), First Eastern Aviation Holdings (7%), and Innovation Network Corporation of Japan (15.1%), will launch a new direct route between Singapore and Osaka starting December 5. This will mark the first time in 14 years that a Japanese airline offers direct flights on this route.
Flight Schedule and Details
Peach Aviation's new service will run daily during its winter schedule from December 5, 2024, to March 29, 2025. Flights will depart Singapore at 2:15 am and arrive in Osaka at 9:35 am. The airline will use Airbus 321LR aircraft, which feature a 3-3 seat layout and provide 218 seats with legroom between 76 cm and 81 cm.
The launch of this route is expected to boost tourism in Osaka, especially ahead of the World Expo 2025, set to attract approximately 28.2 million visitors to the city from April to October 2025.
Fares and Ticketing
Peach Aviation will offer three new fare categories: minimum, standard, and standard plus. These categories vary based on perks such as seat selection and baggage allowance, with all fare types allowing two carry-on bags totaling up to 7 kg. The minimum fare for a one-way ticket on the Singapore-Osaka route starts at $164.20. Tickets are available on Peach Aviation's website from August 29.
While the airline does not include in-flight meals in its fare tiers, passengers can purchase snacks, beverages, and hot meals on board.
Market Impact and Expectations
Currently, Scoot is the only budget airline offering direct flights between Singapore and Osaka, with one-way fares starting at $310.40 in December. With the introduction of Peach Aviation's service, travelers can expect more affordable and varied options for flying between these cities.
The introduction of the Singapore-Osaka route comes as Japan continues to attract Singaporean travelers due to its cultural offerings, food, shopping, sightseeing, and favorable exchange rate, with 300,000 Singaporeans having visited Japan from January to June 2024. Peach Aviation aims to capitalize on this growing interest, as well as Osaka's popularity, which saw a 1,606% increase in flight searches from Singapore year-on-year, according to Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2024 report.